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13 Things Mothers Wish They’d Known Before Getting Their C-Section
Many factors influence the way your kid is born. Your health, medical history, different complications. According to study, the hospital you have chosen may also affect the way of delivery. That is why it’s important to prepare for this as thoroughly as possible, including finding out everything about C-section. And we are here to help you know more about this surgery.
We at Bright Side are sure that giving birth is a miracle no matter how it’s done. And women who have experienced the surgery are here to spread some light on the topic.
1. It can happen to anyone.
No woman in labor is safe from a cesarean section. It can be planned ahead due to an incorrect position of the fetus, a narrow pelvis of the mother, pregnancy complications, or if the health of the mother is threatened in some way. But often, a C-section has to be done urgently, like if labor is weak, the uterus is about to rupture, or if the fetus is deprived of oxygen supply.
- “I had an emergency C-section and then 2 planned C-sections. Both of those were much better because they were planned and not as scary as an emergency C-section.” © Miss_RBF
2. It’s a serious surgery.
Although having a cesarean is common, this is a major operation that requires anesthesia. Mothers have a deep cut, which subsequently closes in several stages. First, the incision in the uterus is sutured, the abdominal wall is restored, and then braces or sutures are applied to the skin. It all sounds horrifying but you won’t see anything because the lower part of the body will be hidden behind a screen. The only thing you’ll see is your baby.
- “Operating room, light, I’m on the table. There are also a lot of doctors around. At the hands, at the feet, at the head. Do epidural or anesthesia. Anaesthesiologist woman distracts me. That’s it, the stomach is numb, the incision. I feel — they get the baby.” © AsyaMed
3. You will have a catheter.
One important part of the operation is the insertion of a catheter into the bladder. Don’t worry, this is done to empty the bladder. A full one will put pressure on the uterus, so it’s necessary for the uterus to contract better after childbirth. This reduces the likelihood of damage to it during the operation.
- “I didn’t even know they put a catheter in until the next day when the nurse showed up to remove it! I was like oh? Whattya know…theres a bag of pee hanging on the side of the bed!” © ga11antis
4. Your partner can be with you during the surgery.
Your partner may be present at a cesarean section, as well as a vaginal delivery. First, the mother needs support during labor. Secondly, it helps you share the experience of your baby’s birth. It also helps integrate the father into the process and makes him more involved, helping to resolve any immediate childbirth issues.
- “My husband was supposed to name our child Bear. But the nurses handed him the baby after the C-section anesthesia and named him Josh. His father had changed the name we had chosen for him while I was unconscious.” © EmmaScott
5. You may get an infection.
The risk of developing a postpartum infection with a C-section is higher than with vaginal delivery. Up to 15% of women get an infection. Moreover, women with obesity are more at risk. Therefore, doctors often prescribe antibiotics to patients to reduce the chance of infection. Taking them before the initial cut can be beneficial.
- “The first day wasn’t bad, actually. I was walking around and making great progress. The second day though, I developed an infection.” © flaccidbitchface
6. You may need painkillers.
Any childbirth is associated with pain but unfortunately, women with C-sections are more likely to experience pain after labor. Back and abdominal pain may continue for several months after surgery. Therefore, it’s important to take painkillers. But you need to consult a doctor and choose those that won’t harm the baby while breastfeeding.
- “Take your pain meds regularly the first few days; don’t wait until you’re in pain to take them. It’s much easier to stay on top of the pain than to get back on top of it.” © mepinkiepie
7. You have to move more carefully after a C-section.
Given that women with C-sections experience pain and the fact that a deep cut was made during the surgery, future movement needs to be controlled. Pay special attention to this in the first few weeks. Sharp and active movements can cause pain and spasm and may disrupt the healing process of sutures. Additionally, don’t lift weights or anything that is heavier than your baby.
- “2 C-sections have taught me that time is the master of the situation. Husband had to help me sit up for about a week.” © OrionSuperman
8. You are responsible for your suture.
In order for the suture to heal well and to prevent infection from getting to it, you have to look after your wound. Change your dressing at least once a day. If it gets wet or dirty, you need to change it additionally during the day. Ask your doctor when you can remove it. Gently wash this area with soap and water and pat dry with a towel. Choose underwear and pants that will be lower or higher than your suture.
- “Once I got out of the hospital’s mesh underwear, all of my old pairs sat right on the incision. It was super uncomfortable.” © DaliWho
9. You may have difficulty breastfeeding.
As a result of a С-section, there may be a delay in the production of milk, even for several days. Therefore, it’s important to attach the baby to the breast as soon as possible. It may also be difficult for you to breastfeed because of pain after surgery. Some medicines that come with your milk can make your baby drowsy, which also complicates the feeding process.
- “My son was on special milk for a bit because he was losing a lot of weight too fast but once he started gaining some we switched to mine.” © thatweirdone129
10. Your baby may have a weaker immune system.
Children born by C-section are at increased risk of developing diabetes and asthma. They have different intestinal microflora. This means that they are more likely to suffer from metabolic disorders. They also may need respiratory support because of possible problems with breathing.
11. Your next labor after C-section
You may have the opportunity to give birth vaginally after a cesarean section. Of course, this carries certain risks. And the more previous C-sections a woman has had, the less likely she is to have a vaginal delivery. Either way, you definitely need to discuss this with your doctor to know if you’re a suitable candidate for this procedure.
- “I had an unplanned C-section for my first. I had a VBAC for my second and the experience was a million times better for me.” © bluelovebug
12. You may have postnatal depression.
After an emergency С-section, the chance of developing postpartum depression increases by as much as 15%. This all affects how the mother takes care of the baby, their relationship, and their connection. It also affects the relationship with their partner. In addition, this can grow into a chronic condition and can have a long-term effect on the mother.
- “I had an emergency C-section 6 months ago. I decided to seek out a psychiatrist for help because I think about it every day and I feel really bad about the whole experience. I want to prevent slipping into depression or postnatal anxiety or depressive disorder.” © dontbeahater_dear
13. You don’t need to be shy about the way you delivered your baby.
And last but not least, don’t ever blame yourself for not being able to have a vaginal delivery! Don’t be shy about it because it doesn’t make you abnormal. You gave birth to your baby, even if they were taken from your abdomen and not from the birth canal. The main thing is that you finally get to see your baby and become a mother.
- “All types of births have the same ending. The goal is to have a healthy baby. There’s nothing unnatural about how you decide to give birth. I’m honestly fed up with all the shaming going on to moms who decide to get an epidural.” © lcallag
Have you given birth to a child? Have you had a C-section? You can tell us your story in the comments.
